THE owner of a cat rescued from a war zone at a cost of almost £2,000 remains hopeful of his safe return.

As The Press reported last month, Howie the cat was brought by soldier Captain Alan Barker home to Green Hammerton in February when his tour of duty ended in Afghanistan, at considerable cost.

But when he got home his other cat attacked Howie all the time, which meant Alan had to keep Howie shut in a bedroom which was not the life he had intended for him.

Reluctantly he looked for a new home for him and Howie went to stay with Paul Cordock in Strensall where he has lived happily until he went missing in the second week of December.

Paul thought that Howie may have hopped aboard at My Hermes delivery van after a parcel was dropped off at his home.

He said: "Hermes put me in touch with the driver, who said she hadn't noticed Howie, and that all her deliveries had been in Strensall, which stopped me from dwelling on my suspicion that he was out of the area.

"I've had a few false sightings, and a lot of encouragement from people who read the piece in The Press.

"I've also delivered more than 700 leaflets in Strensall gradually working further away from our house, and distributed posters around the area to shops, village hall, army camp and noticeboards, plus ten vets, RSPCA and cats protection.

"I'm hoping that Howie has got lost, and is being fed by someone, and that I eventually learn where he is hanging out."

Howie is a black cat, has big front teeth, long front claws, and a scar where hair is missing on one or his rear thighs. He is friendly, but, shy with strangers, and has a big appetite despite his athletic build.

If anyone has taken Howie in or knows where he is please call Paul on 07944 480933.